Best Online Poker Sites India Grinders Can Rely On Amid Growing Regulatory Concerns 

With the India government accelerating steps to ban all forms of online gambling, as evident from the immediate passage of the “Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming” bill, the rapid growth trajectory of the region’s poker sector now faces a serious threat.

The market has surged at a tremendous pace prior to the government’s prohibitive move, with a CAGR of 16.9% projected from 2024 to 2032. But this trajectory now faces a setback, with the number of the best online poker sites in the country set to shrink dramatically, even before the bill becomes fully operational.

Nonetheless, for those still passionate about the game even amid the ongoing regulatory setbacks, offshore alternatives could offer a lifeline.

In this guide, we have handpicked one the best online poker sites India players can still consider, along with the key reasons why it has received so much attention across the Asian nation, even in the face of mounting regulatory scrutiny.

The Future of India’s Online Poker Market Hangs In Limbo Amid Gaming Bill Approval

Earlier this week, the Indian parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill to ban all forms of real-money gambling, including card games, fantasy sports, and online poker. 

The move came in response to reports that online gambling platforms were draining over $2.3 billion annually from more than 450 million people in the country. According to minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the legislation was necessary to tackle a segment of gaming that’s of significant concern. 

“Over the last 11 years, digital technology has expanded on a massive scale, giving India a new identity. One sector closely tied to this growth is online gaming, which has three key segments,” he told Parliament. 

“The first is e-sports, an emerging field that promotes strategic thinking, teamwork, and cultural exchange. The second is online social games like solitaire, chess, and sudoku that many of us have played. The third, however, is online money games – a segment that has become a serious concern for society today.”

Despite industry backlash over revenue and job losses, the bill was quickly passed by both houses of Parliament and signed into law by President Droupadi Murmu. The legislation criminalizes online gambling with violations punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine, or both.

Supporters of the bill argue that the benefits of banning online gambling games outweigh the costs, citing how many families in the country are now addicted to online money games and life-long savings are lost to these activities. 

A government official requesting anonymity, for instance, said the rapid spread of gambling sites had caused widespread financial distress, addiction, and even suicide across the country. 

Critics, on the other hand, urged the government to consider regulation rather than an outright ban, stressing that the move could drive players to offshore platforms. 

As of today, the bill is yet to become fully operational, but its consequences are already playing out. Nearly all of India’s online poker rooms, including PokerStars India, PokerBaazi, and Junglee Poker have shut down their services. 

But all hope is not lost, as local reports indicate that several Indian gaming groups are already holding discussions to challenge the legislation at the Supreme Court, arguing that it was passed without adequate consultation and will devastate a rapidly growing industry. 

Gaming Lawyer Jay Sayta also thinks Parliament has no legislative competence to enact laws on these matters as they are squarely state subjects. 

“The Bill is extremely problematic, prima facie unconstitutional and not sustainable in law,” Sayta told PRO. ‘Betting and gambling’ as well as ‘amusements and entertainments’ are squarely state subjects. Parliament has no legislative competence to enact laws on these matters, except under Article 252 of the Constitution, where two or more state legislatures expressly pass a resolution allowing it.”

Best Online Poker Sites India – Top Option Reviewed

CoinPoker 

As game enthusiasts in India increasingly look for reliable, regulatory-compliant online poker sites that offer secure gameplay amid restrictive legislation, CoinPoker stands out as a trusted option. 

Since its debut in 2017, the poker room has built a strong reputation as a player-first brand, integrating numerous features like no-KYC registration, secure payment, fair play, impressive bonuses, and user-friendly interface to deliver an unbeatable experience, even in the face of evolving legal challenges. 

The platform’s solid track record when it comes to adhering to international regulations ensure that players from India and other countries of the world can enjoy poker with peace of mind. And unlike most of its peers, CoinPoker has structured both its cash games and tournaments to accommodate all skill levels and bankroll sizes, making it one of the most accessible poker sites in India. 

The game options, ranging from Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha to 5-card Limit Omaha, are available across low, mid, and high-stakes tables. Players can join the four-hour cash game leaderboards with a daily prize pool of $12,000, guaranteeing consistent value in less time. This event alone keeps attracting thousands of players, especially cash game crushers to the platform by the day.

Tournament traffic has been consistently strong as well, with flagship events like CoinMasters experiencing heavy daily entries. The event recently received a schedule boost to better serve players in Asia-friendly hours. 

Another key reason CoinPoker remains a top pick is its generous bonus structure, with newcomers entitled to a welcome package of up to $2,000 and active players benefitting from a 33% rakeback system every week. There are also plenty of freeroll events that could open the pathway for players to join high-stakes tournaments and win staggering prizes without risking their money. 

Most importantly, CoinPoker offers a flexible payment system that caters to both traditional gateways such as bank transfers and credit cards, and digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, USDT, and USC. By using cryptocurrency for transactions, players benefit from secure, fast, and anonymous payments, adding depth to the overall experience. 

With its transparent gaming model, diverse payment infrastructure, and growing player community, CoinPoker is rated highly among the best online poker sites India grinders can turn to, regardless of the final outcome of the “Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming” bill. 

Conclusion

Poker has long been a popular game, and players across India continue to look for ways to remain part of it. The move to ban money-based gaming was meant to restrict gambling activity, but many remain unbothered. Rather than stepping back, players are determined to turn to offshore options that still allow them to play when the law becomes fully operational.

This article highlighted one of the best online poker sites India grinders can rely on amid the nationwide-shift in online gambling regulation. 

FAQs on Best Online Popular Poker Sites India

Is the bill banning all forms of real-money online gambling in India already operational?

The bill banning real-money online gambling in India is not operational though it has been approved by the president. 

Which is the best online poker site India players can visit amid regulatory uncertainty?

Among the best poker sites India players can consider is CoinPoker.

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